Game 30: Treading water

A win tonight brings the Yanks back to the .500 mark they’ve been hovering around all season. Sadly, that’s a good thing at this point. Given the craptastic offense and the shakiness of the non-Wang rotation, the Yanks should be thankful that they’re not in a position similar to last year.

Big game for IPK. Another stinker could mean…geeze, I can hardly bring myself to say it…Kei Igawa. To me, it’s going to be about throwing some freakin’ strikes. If Kennedy gets hit hard, well, that’s going to happen to a rookie against a lineup like the Tigers. But if he’s missing the plate and racking up the pitch count, I think that’s far worse. Of course, getting belted will run up the pitch count, too.

Shelley’s hitting cleanup tonight against Nate Robertson. I dig the move. In fact, with the way the offense is going, I’d be finding any way possible to get Shelley into the lineup. He can’t be worse than what we’re trotting out there (::cough:: Giambi).

LHP or not I think Hideki Matsui should be hitting 4th. This issue might come into play later in the game when Detroit’s “bullpen” is in use. But who cares, just one slot anyways.

So Alex Rodriguez, Jorge Posada, Phil Hughes and a pretty dominant Brian Bruney all on the DL yet we are just 3.0 games out of 1st place in the AL East and we are below .500 at Yankee Stadium. I don’t know about you guys but I feel pretty damn good about the record and the team all things considered.

Yeah I saw the highlight of the injury. He went for a routine chopper to his left, and he just pulled up and that was it. You knew something was wrong. Maybe they’ll be interested in Betemit.

Manimal

If Michael Kay says that someone tied the major league record for most put outs in an inning one more time im turning off my tv and going to gameday. Samething with raindays and David cone’s perfect game.

http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Lmao, that is really tiring, dunno which is worse, that or the “girl with the curls” analogy . Ugh.

avi404

or the martini-glass analogy when Giambi faces the shift defence. And then drawing it out on screen. Ugggh!

may be RAB should have a things-we-love-about-Kay section.

zzzz

i was just about to say that. seriously, its not funny anymore. it was cute the first time, now its just annoying.

Manimal

LOL seriously.

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

You know what the most screwed up part is? I’m sure once upon a time a pitcher struck out the first two batters of the inning, but the catcher dropped the third strike on the third batter, and just tagged the runner for the final out. Three strikeouts = 3 putouts for the catcher, plus another for tagging the runner, so the catcher ends up with 4 putouts in the inning.

Kennedy looks 10x relaxed, or is it just me? Moeller is just putting his glove down the middle, IPK is beating them with the speed of his pitches.

Manimal

repeat of the first inning with the exception of shelley smashing the ball into the bleachers… of the new yankee stadium.

http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Type-A Free Agent here we come!

http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Lmao, that has to be the worst reaction to a Yankees’ HR by a NYY fan ever.

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

That … was big.

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Nothing like seeing a guy making $400k a year run over your guy with a $150M contract.

nmc

Haha Cabrera does so much damage to his team with his defense. To think, he was the ARod replacement plan.

http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

I think that was the fans’ dream. No way Brian Cashman was going to dole out the price in prospects and dollars for only a bat, no matter how productive said bat may be.

nmc

Also, I’m thinking that you have to re-sign Abreu after this season is over.

http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Not for more than two years and there is NO CHANCE IN HELL that Bobby Abreu, let alone his agent, would agree to that. I’m thinking he’s looking for 4 years at $14-$16M but might cop to 3 years. That was proposed at the nyyfans.com forums and I agree with that theory.

http://knickerbockerchatter.blogspot.com/ Bruno

Millwood & Teagarden for IPK, Tabata, Marquez, Cervelli?

http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

I wouldn’t, I understand the fans may be clamoring for a productive veteran starter after the injuries and sub .500 start but there is no need. If we weren’t going to deal Phil Hughes, Melky Cabrera, and two other prospects for Johan Santana, why would we deal a good portion of that same package for Kevin Millwood?

True, and I am a big proponent of stockpiling as many prospects as possible and a big opponent of not acquiring a prospect based on what you already have. However I have to believe the value of Teagarden is diminished somewhat with Austin Romine and Jesus Montero doing their thing in Low-A Charleston.

Kevin Millwod is a good pitcher yes, but I don’t think he is anywhere worth the value of controlled years and potential talent and value of IPK, Jose Tabata and Jeff Marquez.

http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

However, you substitute Teagarden with Elvis Andrus and I might look a bit harder on that deal.

mustang

Good point.

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

If Texas eats most of the Millwood money (say 80%), I think I’d do it, begrudgingly.

http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

I believe it was MLBTR who noted that Texas is probably going to try and “buy” prospects by trading either Kevin Millwood or Vicente Padilla along with money.

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

“I’ve seen you eat up here in the booth Michael, how many Reggie bars did you have that day?”

John Flaherty is my new favorite announcer.

Joe

Slight misquote.

http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

“Caramel, chocolate and peanuts, everything that’s good in life…” LoL, Michael Kay may be a condescending, arrogant douche but he has his funny moments.

mustang

Those Reggie bars tasted like shit. LOL

http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Oh shit, the way it’s lined up, Mike Mussina is going to face off against “King” Felix Hernandez on Saturday. Seattle’s offense should be one that Moose can control.

mustang

Damn.. i thought the kid had something going…Johnny

Manimal

Ok I need some serious opinions guys.

Doesnt Shelley look like the guy from 300! The hunchback traitor guy. I’ve been meaning to make this picture forever, and I finally did it.

BTW, yes I know how to use photoshop. yes it took me 30 seconds. yes I could have done a better job.

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

I kinda see it, but Shelley’s much easier on the eyes.

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Christ Bobby.

pete c.

Abreu’s putting in for full time DH.

mustang

WoW…. this is starting to hurt now

RichYF

Could Bobby Abreu be any worse in RF?

I mean, seriously…how many teams have a worse RFer than he is? I’d rather have a pitchback out there than this guy right now.

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

What’s worse: IPK’s fear of the strike zone with men on, or Bobby’s fear of the wall?

http://knickerbockerchatter.blogspot.com/ Bruno

Push.

http://myspace.com/lincolnsworld Link

good grief…if we had outfielders that could catch that inning goes a lot different

http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

If Johnny Damon had of played that fly ball safe Santiago would have been at 1B and the DP would have been in order causing IPK to try and pitch to a DP. Not saying he would have gotten one but he would have changed his selection to try and get one.

pete c.

Funny Mike.

http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Hey, I defy anyone to expect a rookie pitcher to beat that Detroit 3-4-5 more often than not.

pete c.

Yeah not all of that was IPK.

http://knickerbockerchatter.blogspot.com/ Bruno

I REALLY hope A-Jax is in RF next year, with Capt’n Jete in LF and AG at SS.

http://knickerbockerchatter.blogspot.com/ Bruno

Granted, Cano has to be CANO for that to work.

http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Bobby Abreu is not a bad RF, he is just scared of the wall for a reason that we just don’t know. Could be natural fear or it could be caused by something that happened to him as a player, just don’t know.

mustang

Can I make a suggestion every time the kids pitch and people compare them to Johan in anyway they get bombed?
Can we try not to?
LOL

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Here we go again. After a good first inning, the offense goes in hibernation. Erg.

http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Well Michael Kay you douche, Jason Giambi was in the lineup for the most part when the Yankees were a AAAA team in the beginning of the season. He missed all that time due to injury when they got their shit together.

A.D.

Wasn’t like he was saying they should bench him, just tossing out stats

http://myspace.com/lincolnsworld Link

i know he got hit but IPK’s body language is much better tonight if anyone else has noticed.

http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

I see it too, good sign. He is having a good start, not his fault he has to go up against a healthy Gary Sheffield, Magglio Ordonez and Miguel Cabrera in succession. Any pitcher would be hard pressed to navigate through those guys cleanly with RISP. Great hitting beat good pitching there, all it is.

RichYF

Who is Kennedy reminding me of?

Pitches great for 5 out of 6 innings but has one “bad inning” where he gives up 3-5.

http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Andy Pettitte is going to be pestered with questions about his age if he continues this for his next start.

http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

I know Johnathan Sanchez seems to be figuring it out this year but I’d rather have Hit-deki for I don’t think Sanchez will be this effective over the course of the season.

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Or in the AL East.

http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Kevin Long should stuff a fist full of mofongo down Robinson Cano’s throat the next time he swings at the first pitch, he may be my favorite Yankee but he’s pissing me off with that first pitch BS.

http://myspace.com/lincolnsworld Link

I’d love some mofongo right about now lol.

mustang

Damn you guys are just wrong.
Bring up mofongo

mustang

with shrimp.
Damn you city people..lol

http://myspace.com/lincolnsworld Link

I had it in PR but I live in the burbs of dc…no mofongo here :( almost had a heart attack when i say a place uptown last time i was in the city with mofongo advertised in the window…going str8 there next time i go back….

http://knickerbockerchatter.blogspot.com/ Bruno

here here

Manimal

Kennedy is pitching fine. I blame damon/abreux2

LiveFromNewYork

can’t we have melky cover the entire outfield?

http://www.workwithpete.com Pete

Great pitch on 3-2. But why does it have to go 3-2 *every* time?

http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Patient lineup full of damn good hitters.

http://www.workwithpete.com Pete

You’re half right.

http://www.workwithpete.com Pete

Ugh, the middle of this lineup is absolutely salivating to get to Kennedy…

http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

3-4-5 of Detroit ran up that pinch count and touched him up in that 3rd inning, can’t ssay it was overall a bad/good start. I liked the aggressiveness but he just didn’t trust his stuff when it came to the heavy hitters and it cost him.

Some above average play out of Johnny Damon and Bobby Abreu in the OF could have turns things to the better.

http://knickerbockerchatter.blogspot.com/ Bruno

So when does JOBA start getting stretched out by going multiple innings?

mustang

There booing again poor kid.
This going to be a long season.

http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

I’m sure you were saying that for basically 3 months last year, shouldn’t you give it a bit more time this season?

mustang

You’re right.
I don’t have much of a choice anyway.

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

I’m happy, I just managed to trade for Tim Lincecum in fantasy.

Number 27

who’d you trade for him?

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Weeks-Markakis-Randy Wolf for Lincecum-Ellsbury-Keppinger. I have enough depth to deal off Markakis and Weeks was riding my bench (I have Brandon Phillips at 2B), plus I needed someone to fill in at 3B while A-Rod is out. As a bonus, I can slide Keppinger over to SS to replace the corpse of Khalil Greene once A-Rod’s back.

http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

I like it, if your depth in the OF really is adequate this is a damn good deal.

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Once the deal is official (the start of the next fantasy week, ie Monday), I’ll have Adam Dunn, Jeremy Hermida, Carlos Quentin, Nick Swisher and Ellsbury as available OFers.

http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

I think I just drooled over my laptop. I am a BIG Jeremy Hermida fan. Carlos Quentin is already paying off nicely for you as well.

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

I actually just grabbed Quentin off the FA pool. Jeff Clement is going to pick up C eligibility soon, so I was able to cut Kurt Klutch Suzuki loose.

http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Details.

http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Samuel Dalembert has the worst haircut you will ever see in your life. Check it out, he’s the Center for the Philadelphia 76ers (#1, on TNT now).

http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Only at Yankee Stadium does a player get booed for tying his shoelaces.

http://myspace.com/lincolnsworld Link

Shelley!!!!

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Nice job cleaning up Shelley.

http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

I swear, by the looks of it the Yankees are getting a bit tired of Duncan’s celebratory hits. Watch on his birthday, they’re going to body slam that SOB.

http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Why does Michale Kay use Derek Jeter’s birthday as a barometer for how old people are EVERY year? God Damn Michael, new material, please.

http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

SS range up the middle is such a sight for sore eyes.

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Am I the only one that laughed hysterically after seeing that father totally whiff on the high five with son after the kid got the foul ball behind the Yanks’ dugout? Too funny.

http://knickerbockerchatter.blogspot.com/ Bruno

NOPE LOL

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Okay, might be time to break out the tarp out. It’s coming down pretty good now.

Steve S

Did anyone see the write up on Tabata by Keith Law, that doesnt sound good at all. But the Montero stuff was nice. Has anyone heard anything about what they plan to do with Tabata?

http://knickerbockerchatter.blogspot.com/ Bruno

Hopefully use him and AAA pitching? to acquire a catching prospect and MLB pitching?

Yankee1010

I don’t think you can trade him now. It would be the ultimate selling low moment. They need to give him some more time to get over the hamate surgery and his immaturity.

http://knickerbockerchatter.blogspot.com/ Bruno

MLB starter and a C for Tabata and Marquez? I’ll take that.

Steve S

I think Brian Cashman would take it, but what do you mean by MLB starter? The reality is no one has enough pitching. I fear the Yankees may start looking at Freddie Garcia.

Yankee1010

Yeah, you would take it, but would other teams go for it? They aren’t going to buy into Tabata now when he’s not hitting and being immature.

And MLB starter is kind of broad.

http://knickerbockerchatter.blogspot.com/ Bruno

Robertson’s face bounce was HYSTERICAL!

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

C’mon Bobby, make up for sissying out against the wall earlier.

http://myspace.com/lincolnsworld Link

well there is a microcosm of why we’re 14-15 and not 19-10 or so….

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Boy, Girardi sure loves him some Albaladejo.

http://myspace.com/lincolnsworld Link

now Albaladejo being pushed into his 3rd inning of work rather than bring in Britton.

Yankee1010

It would make too much sense to bring in Britton.

http://myspace.com/lincolnsworld Link

and here we go.

http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

God Damn Miguel Cabrera, should of signed with us.

Newman

Signed with us? When would that have been? He was traded

http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

He was an International Free Agent in Venezuela in 2000 (I think that was the year). The Florida Marlins, Boston Red Sox, Atlanta Braves (I believe) along with us were involved in the bidding. The Marlins were basically like family to this due so he signed with them despite better offers from us and other squads. I also believe the Mets were involved.

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

He signed with Florida way back in the day even thought the Yanks offered more cash.

Ivan

Yankees don’t look good at all right now.

Yankee1010

Why he would push Albaladejo into a 3rd inning there instead of using Britton is beyond me.

keith

WHY IS HE STILL IN THERE!?!@?!@?!@ ASDJSDFLSDFKERJK234kl234123123

http://myspace.com/lincolnsworld Link

is there any team in the league that has a bullpen with 2 greater weight differences at the same height than we do with the Britton/Ramirez ‘mondo/flaco’ connection? Both 6’3 Britton listed at 270, Edwar 165 lol….

Relaunch

Kennedy blows. He has put his team in the hole in every game except 1. The IPK abbreviation is even more dumb.

http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Brittongate is starting to piss me the fuck off.

http://myspace.com/lincolnsworld Link

so Girardi is basically like f it apparently…

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Ladies and gents, we have a Chris Britton signing.

Yankee1010

Woodward and Bernstein can’t be too far away …

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Heh, Chris Britton looks like someone they just pulled out of the bleachers and gave a uniform.

Ivan

Well things that could went wrong has gone wrong so far. Most likey will be 14-16 after being swept by the Tigers(I still think the Yanks are better than the Tigers if both teams are at full strength so I take this possible sweep with a grain of salt)

but right now, the yanks are struggling on both sides on the ball and injuries have killed them.

I will say this, if this team can get healthy, and if Ian and Hughes make that key adjustment, then I feel by the second half hopefully, this team can take off.

Right now, this team is off right now.

http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Jose Tabata made his comeback today, 0-4, 1K.

Ivan

Mark Melancon pitch three innings tonight, and just gave up a hit and struckout 3. Boy after a couple rough stretches, he has really starting to pitch well. Hopefully, Melancon, can reach at absolute full strength, and help this team

http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

I still say he’s a September call-up at the very earliest.

http://myspace.com/lincolnsworld Link

he looks awkward as hell out there even when he makes the play.

http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Chris Britton’s line: 1.2IP, zeros, 1BB, 23 pitches.

http://myspace.com/lincolnsworld Link

I’d like to stuff a baseball card down Michael Kay’s throat…

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

“A four run lead is easily surmountable for a Yankee team…”

Easily, huh? Has Michael Kay ever faced a Major League pitcher?

http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

There we go Robbie, come on Yankees, let’s get something going.

BigBlueAL

this is becoming an annoying habit, everytime i get home from umpiring, the Yanks r losing!! at least the past 3 days…..

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Look at that Joe, Chris Britton is an effective reliever. Amazing what you learn when he actually gets in a game, no?

BigBlueAL

btw, check this out. my game tonight was with 13/14 yo division, so not exactly great baseball. bottom of the last inning, tied game. runner on 1st steals second, ball gets by the SS and 2b, then rolled RIGHT THROUGH the legs of the CF, runner scores, game over. gotta love the youngsters.

Mike R.

Chris Britton did not allow a hit in 2.2 IP!! Tell him what he’s won Don!!!

An all expense paud trip to Scranton, PA! Home of The Office. :(

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

And Krispy Kreme!

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Thaaaaaaaa Yankees lose … again.

RustyJohn

Bravo, C. Britton….the lone bright spot of the game. The only explanation I have for his lack of playing time is one day B. Cashman came home and saw Britton’s pale hairy, sweaty ass in between Mrs. Cashman’s thighs.

ray sam

get rid of jeter abreu damon matsui bring in some yougblood these guys are overpaid and overrated jeter is no leader make posada capt when he comes back